M.Arch Syllabus & Subjects List 2025: Download Semester-wise Syllabus PDF

Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
MArch courses is all about design and development of a building or structure. Courses are offered at the UG, PG, Diploma, Certificate and Doctorate levels. This course is focused on theoretical as well as practical subjects with core and elective subjects which help candidates understand the concepts of Architecture. Candidates should know that syllabus and the curriculum can be different according to the course levels. Course duration can be from 6 months to 3 years but then again it depends on the course level.
Core Subjects
Candidates can see the table below:
|
Semester 1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Subject |
Details |
|
Urban Design |
Candidates learn planning studies for urban designing by observing urban environments and providing urban housing, renewal and regeneration. |
|
Large Span Structures for Architectural Application |
It deals with the designing of space frames, structural systems, braced folded structures, tensile structures and space structures with changing geometries. |
|
Legal Framework for Urban Infrastructure Project |
The objective of this course is to introduce candidates to the legal framework and standards such as the National Building Code of India 2016 and regulations provided by national and international agencies. It also deals with the legal principles guiding large-scale development and sports facilities. |
|
Advanced Computer Studio |
Candidates are introduced to the REVIT software popularly used for architectural design and structural design and successfully converting 2-D designs into 3-D designs. |
|
Semester 2 |
|
|---|---|
|
Subject |
Details |
|
Structures and Services in High-Rise Buildings |
The course introduces a separate typology in architecture- tall buildings, their construction, installation of firefighting systems and their impact on the environment and urban setting. |
|
Contemporary Process in Architecture |
It analyses the concepts such as fractals, Multi-source synthesis, key-shape animation, Cellular Automata, digital architecture and case studies on world-renowned architects. |
|
Urban Infrastructure Projects |
The course deals with designing urban infrastructure projects such as SEZs, transport connectivity, growth of neighbourhood communities and integration of essential services with buildings. |
|
Semester 3 |
|
|---|---|
|
Subject |
Details |
|
New Urbanism |
The course familiarizes students with the concept of urban planning, new urbanism, rural-to-urban transformation and large-scale cluster development in agricultural lands. |
|
Urban Landscape |
Candidates learn about structures of open spaces, urban landscape design, maintenance of public spaces and designing of public parks, greenways and biological corridors. |
|
Research Methodology in Architecture |
It deals with the application of research methods in the formulation of the research question, hypothesis, data collection, analysis and inference. It also deals with methods of usage of computers in research and mathematical modelling and their limitations. |
|
Performance Evaluation Tools for Sustainable Buildings |
Learners acquire basic skills in building performance evaluation and modelling of passive systems and active systems. They are able to make a post-occupancy evaluations and advanced building simulations. |
|
High-Rise Buildings |
Candidates learn how to conceptualise ideas to design high-rise buildings and understand their planning concerns such as disaster and environmental risks. |
|
Semester 4 |
|
|---|---|
|
Subject |
Details |
|
Thesis/Dissertation |
Candidates have to submit a dissertation on any research topic towards successful completion of the course. They have to also appear for a viva-voce, justifying the skills learnt over the years. |
|
Elective Courses |
|
|---|---|
|
Subjects |
Details |
|
Sustainable Development |
The course provides exposure to the traditional wisdom and passive techniques of creating a sustainable design. It also deals with the principles of sustainability, urban impact on the environment and planning aspects to minimise the environmental impact of buildings. |
|
Green Building Strategies for Tall Buildings |
An introductory course on green revolution in architecture, maintaining daylighting efficiency, recycling of resources, info-modelling and construction of buildings using smart technologies. |
|
Disaster Management |
Learners understand the concept of disasters, the disaster management cycle, principles of elementary seismology and seismic design. The most important learning outcome is related to earthquake-resistant designs. |
|
Environmental Strategies |
The course deals with the strategies for environmental protection, environmental economics, Environmental Impact Assessment cycle and Environmental Auditing. |
|
New Age Materials and Construction |
Candidates are exposed to new varieties of construction materials and curtain walls, ensuring material efficiency and efficient construction techniques. |
| Façade Technologies for Buildings
|
The course introduces the application of a façade systems by implementing glass, glazing and their structural integrity. It also deals with the advanced façade and their building performance. |
Books and Authors for M.Arch
Candidates can see the table below:
|
Book |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Urban Design Toolkit |
Ministry of the Environment |
This toolkit has been developed by the Ministry of Environment and provides the tools for community participation, raising awareness, implementation, planning and design and research and analysis. |
|
Building Structures |
Malcolm Millais |
A celebrated work on the history of building structures and how these concepts are applied to simple building plans. The author explains how to do calculations for structures and how to design a structural design project. |
|
REVIT Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modelling for Owners, Engineers |
C Eastman, R Sacks, K Liston |
A treatise on Building Information Modelling, which provides information on the methods to design and construct a building using a digital format. It helps in making a design plan more customer-friendly and enhances it from two-dimensional to three-dimensional graphics. |
|
The Guide Book of Sustainable Design |
Sandra Mendler, William Odell |
The authors have compiled case studies on the world’s famous architects, planners and designers, their design strategies and sustainable architecture methods. The guide also provides methods to increase customer satisfaction and material selection for resource conservation. |
|
Skyscrapers-Structure and Design |
Wells Mathew |
The author explains the engineering and desig behind tall buildings and skyscrapers of the world. He explains how these buildings are designed to withstand earthquake or wind or fire hazards and analyses the tall buildings of the world. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on M.Arch Syllabus
Q. Why is M.Arch popular course?
A. After the engineering discipline, architecture is a popular choice amongst students who have pursued PCM in Class 12th. The entrance exams are as competitive as that of engineering and candidates have to possess extra skills, designing and drawing. They must be quick and must have the ability to conceive ideas and bring to fruition. With diverse career options to offer, M.Arch is therefore a popular course.
Q. What is the course curriculum for M.Arch?
A. M.Arch is a four-semester course consisting of core and elective subjects. Candidates have to meet the minimum credit requirement as well as submit term-end assignments. They have to appear for the term-end exam and submit a dissertation for successful completion of the course.
Q. What are the common entrance exams for M.Arch?
A. Candidates must clear some of the following national-level entrance exams to secure admission to M.Arch courses:
- NATA
- JEE Mains
- UCEED
- MAH M.Arch Test
Q. What are the popular colleges offering M.Arch?
A. Some of the popular colleges offering an M.Arch and good placement opportunities are as follows:
- Amity University
- Sharda University
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- School of Planning and Architecture Bhopal
- NMIMS
Q. Is distance programme in M.Arch course valid?
A. Architecture courses aren't provided in distance mode as architecture and engineering courses require practical lessons. According to the regulations of AICTE and UGC, these courses should be provided in full-time mode only.
Q. What are the specialisations offered in M.Arch?
A. The specialisations offered in M.Arch are as follows:
- Urban Planning
- Urban Design
- Sustainable Design
Q. What is the fee structure for M.Arch?
A. The fee structure for pursuing M.Arch ranges from INR 1-5 lakh per annum. Private colleges charge higher range of fees in the range of INR 2-6 lakhs per annum.
Q. What are the various core subjects offered under M.Arch?
A. The core subjects are compulsory subjects which have to completed by a candidate. They are as follows:
- High Rise Buildings
- Research Methodology in Architecture
- Urban Design
- New Urbanism
- Legal Framework for Urban Infrastructure Project
- Structures and Services in High Rise Buildings
- Urban Infrastructure Projects
Q. What are the various elective subjects offered under M.Arch?
A. The important elective subjects which are offered under M.Arch are spread across four semesters. They are as follows:
- Façade Technologies for Buildings
- Green Building Strategies for Tall Buildings
- Sustainable Development
- New Age Materials and Construction
- Disaster Management
- Environmental Strategies
Q. What is the application of an M.Arch course?
A. An M.Arch course provides skills for architectural design, planning, and construction, with applications in a wide career opportunities like project architect, urban planner, and landscape architect.
Source: External site and may vary.
Q. What is the eligibility for pursuing M.Arch?
A. Candidates who have completed B.Arch from a recognised university with at least 50% score are eligible to pursue M.Arch. They must also pass any national-level entrance exam with a good score to be called for an interview. The merit list is prepared on the basis of marks scored in the entrance and interview and admissions are made on the basis of the cutoff.
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News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 4 days ago
The seat intake of the M.Arch course at SMEF'S BRICK Group of Institutes is of 20. This number is taken from the official website but can vary. Candidates must contact the college for more details on the same.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
For pursuing M.Arch, students would be expected to show some amount of work during the time of admission. But students are advised to check same with university as every university would have its own unique admission eligibility criteria.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
This is a very personal choice. Both studying architectures in India and abroad have their own unique pros and cons which the candidate must take into consideration before reaching a final decision. The article provides a critical evaluation of the same.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Usually, only candidates with a B.Arch degree are eligible because the Bachelors courses in Architecture builds on architectural foundations. However, some universities offer bridge programs or specialised design courses for students from related fields like civil engineering or interior design but
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
After completing your M.Arch, you can work in the below mentioned sectors-
- Architectural firms in design & construction
- Urban planning departments
- Interior design companies
- Real estate development
- Academic and research institutions
- Government projects (public infrastructure, conservation)
Some of the Popul
K
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Below is the list ofsome entrance exams for admission into M.Arch course -
- NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) – This is for undergraduate and some postgraduate courses
- GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) – This Exam is used by top institutes for M.Arch admissions
- CEED (Common Entran
S
Contributor-Level 7
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What is the seat intake of M.Arch at SMEF'S BRICK Group of Institutes?